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Effects of depot growth hormone replacement on thyroid function and volume in adults with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency

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Abstract

Background: Conflicting data exist on the effects of GH replacement therapy (GHRT) on thyroid function and thyroid volume (TV) in GH-deficient (GHD) patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of GHRT on thyroid function and TV in adults with congenital lifetime isolated GHD (IGHD). Subjects and methods: We studied 20 GH-naïve adults with IGHD due to a homozygous mutation of the GHRH-receptor gene at baseline, after 6-month depot-GH replacement therapy (pGH), and 6-month washout (6mo). Total T3, free T4 (FT4), reverse T3 (rT3), TSH, IGF-I, SHBG, and TV were measured; body surface area-corrected TV (CTV) was calculated. Results: IGF-I and T3 increased pGH. T3 levels remained elevated at 6mo. GHRT did not significantly change FT4, rT3, TSH, and SHBG. TV and CTV increased pGH and remained elevated at 6mo. Conclusions: GHRT in IGHD adults caused an increase in serum T3 levels and TV, suggesting an important role of the GH-IGF-I axis in thyroid function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil

    N. T. F. Leite, M. R. S. Alcântara, P. R. S. Alcântara, C. R. P. Oliveira, J. L. M. Oliveira, F. D. Anjos-Andrade, M. I. T. Farias, C. T. F. Britto, L. M. A. Nóbrega, A. C. Nascimento-Junior, É. O. Alves, R. M. C. Pereira, V. C. Campos, M. Menezes & M. H. Aguiar-Oliveira

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument St, #333, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA

    R. Salvatori MD

  3. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

    C. E. Martinelli-Júnior

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  1. N. T. F. Leite
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  2. R. Salvatori MD
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  3. M. R. S. Alcântara
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Correspondence to R. Salvatori MD.

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Leite, N.T.F., Salvatori, R., Alcântara, M.R.S. et al. Effects of depot growth hormone replacement on thyroid function and volume in adults with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency. J Endocrinol Invest 35, 265–268 (2012). https://doi.org/10.3275/7608

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